Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Wednesday, March 25

Pop Life (weekly event)It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but often runs past midnight. Music by select DJs. At tonight’s edition, Flawless Make Up will be offering beauty services. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Center City Vision AwardsThis annual awards event honors and recognizes the contributions of individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made the Center City more vibrant. Among those being honored will be Hugh McColl. Presented by Charlotte Center City Partners. 5:45-6:45 cocktail hour; 7-8:30 p.m. program. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.charlottecentercity.org.

Cufflinks and Cocktails (monthly event)Presented by Charlotte’s Kappas, this event is held at a different bar each month. Come mingle with a group of well-dressed professionals, from 20- to 40-somethings. Drink and appetizer specials will be served. 6-10 p.m. Free. Andrew Blair's, 1600 Montford Dr. www.cufflinksandcocktails.com.

Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards CelebrationThe Urban League of Central Carolinas will present the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award to Kevin A. Henry, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Coca Cola Bottling Consolidated. The highlight of the night will be a performance by Raphael Saadiq. 7-11 p.m. $90. (Concert only: $35 in advance, $45 at the door. 9:15 p.m.) Wachovia Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St. www.urbanleaguecc.org/wmy.

Friday, March 27

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)End your workweek on a high note at this networking event, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy drink and appetizer specials. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-10 p.m. Free. Zen Asian Fusion, 1716 Kenilworth Ave. www.zenasianfusion.com.

Whitney M. Young Jr. Celebration of FriendsThe Urban League of Central Carolinas continues the celebration with this evening that promises to “engage, entertain, and elevate.” Live music by Fifth & York Band (9:30 p.m.) followed by DJ Crush spinning into late-night. 8:30 p.m. $10 minimum donation. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopianc.com.

Spring FeverDigital Divas is hosting a party at their favorite spot and the party is sure to be live from the bar to the patio. Look for many of Charlotte’s young movers and shakers. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 10 p.m. $10 in advance, more at the door. Sunset Club, 1820 South Blvd. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Saturday, March 28

Carowinds Opens for 2009 SeasonThe Carolinas’ popular theme park opens for the season with a new ride, Carolina Cobra, and plenty of ticket specials. 14523 Carowinds Blvd. www.carowinds.com.

Soul Bowl LoungeThe popular bowling and social networking event is held in a dozen cities nationwide including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. In addition to knocking down pins, enjoy great music, billiards, and card games. Live music by Jus Once Band & Show and on the turntables will be Danja Mowf. 10 p.m. $25. AMF Carolina Lanes, 11210 Brigman Rd., Matthews. www.soulbowllounge.com.

Sunday, March 29

The Lotus Look of SpringLotus presents this fashion show which serves as a fundraiser for the Assistance League of Charlotte. Featuring live music and drink specials. 7:30 p.m., show begins at 9. $10. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.bluecharlotte.com, www.ladyinlotus.com.